Impact of ultrasound and sociodemographic variables on maternal foetal attachment in Taraba State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Maternal foetal attachment is manifested in behaviors that demonstrate care and commitment to the foetus. Ultrasound decreases maternal anxiety and confers psychological benefit following a reassuring sonogram.Maternal-foetal attachment is affected by many socio-demographic factors which include maternal age, occupation, educational level, race, marriage duration, ethnicity, Religion, income status, pregnancy planning, and identification of the foetal gender.Aim: This study was aimed at assessing the effect of ultrasound and sociodemographic factors on maternal foetal attachment during pregnancy.Method: A prospective study was conducted from November, 2019 to March, 2020. A convenient sampling method was employed and included 404 pregnant women aged 18-45 years old in their 2nd and 3rd trimester. The data were collected using a maternal foetal attachment scale questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were carried out at p value < 0.05.Result: The score of maternal foetal attachment scale was greater with post ultrasound than the pre ultrasound. There was statistically significant difference between the pre and post ultrasound maternal foetal attachment scale (p=0.000). A statistically significant difference was observed in the maternalfoetal attachment across the different ethnic groups (p=0.000), planned and unplanned pregnancy (p=0.000).Conclusion: This study revealed that ultrasound scan has influence on maternal foetal attachment, planned pregnancy. Hausa, Bandawa and Jenjo were found to be more attached to their foetuses.